Charges filed against Adhadhu CEO and editor over “Aisha” documentary

Criminal charges have been officially filed against the CEO and editor of online news outlet Adhadhu over the documentary “Aisha,” which included allegations of sexual misconduct against President Mohamed Muizzu made by a former employee of the President’s Office.

The charges were filed against Adhadhu CEO Hussain Fiyaz Mooda and editor Hassan Mohamef. The state has charged both men with defamation, alleging that they published the documentary in their roles as editors of Adhadhu and broadcast serious accusations against President Muizzu.

The Criminal Court also issued a gag order in connection with the case today, prohibiting the further dissemination of information related to the documentary until the court proceedings are concluded. The order specifically bars the continued circulation of the documentary among the public.

Charges were filed 14 days after authorities began investigating the case. The investigation was launched after Adhadhu questioned the allegations during a press conference, where President Muizzu himself responded to questions from the outlet.

As part of the investigation, police searched Adhadhu’s office and seized 20 electronic devices believed to be relevant to the inquiry. According to available information, the confiscated items include laptops and hard drives used for the outlet’s journalistic work.